Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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First published 1941 (SND Vol. II).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

BLESS YOUR BANES, phr. “Lit. bless your bones, but commonly used to express a wish or prayer for comfort and prosperity to the party addressed, or a promise of future benefits in return for present favour or aid. As, ‘Bless your banes for that'; i.e., ‘Good luck to you for that favour.' ‘I'll bless your banes for that yet'; i.e., ‘I'll do you a good turn for that some day'; or, ‘I'll do as much for you again'” (Sc. 1887 Jam.⁶; Kcb.⁹ 1935).